Caret made this remark at the Board of Trustee meeting on campus Wednesday as he talked about a range of topics including a potential loss of research dollars if sequestration on the federal level continues.

The Legislature this year agreed to fund 50 percent of the UMass budget. In recent years, the state contribution has been at about 45 percent leaving the university to fund 55 percent of the cost. The cost sharing allowed the university to freeze tuition and fees and officials are hoping that will continue next year if the Legislature agrees to the same funding ratio.

Caret said the message as he travels the state will be “we need you to support the 50-50 (appropriation.)”

He said he also wants to appeal to people and alumni to donate.

“We have pledged to (the governor) to keep costs down.” He said the university has trimmed $100 million in the last five years and $25 million in its current budget. “Efficiencies are paying off.” With 50-50 support, that 50 percent is smaller if costs are reduced, he said.

If sequestration in federal funding continues, the Umass system could see an 8 percent reduction in research grants. Last year, UMass spent about $600 million on research, money that the university received mostly in federal and state fund.

In his report, Philip W. Johnston, chairman of the committee on science, technology and research said, that over the next fiscal year, the university could see a 3 to 4 percent reduction. “It’s a very worrisome prospect for us.”

Caret said, “We’re trying to find a pathway out of it.” Educators all across the country are working to mitigate any research cuts.

The board meanwhile, as expected, approved the new $3.8 billion five-year capital budget for construction and renovation projects on all five campuses, up from the $3.1 billion spending project approved last year.

The board’s administration and finance committee approved it last week. This figure includes $1.4 billion in funding for the Amherst campus.

Student Government Association president Zac Broughton asked the board to support both a house and senate bill that would allow all five student trustees on the board to vote. Currently just two of the five are voting members. He said students want a “shared governance,” something that is lacking now.

Alyce J. Lee, chairwoman of the committee on academic and student affairs, said her committee would look into it and “come to some resolution.”